A palpable tension filled the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC–Edo North) engaged in a heated exchange over recent amendments to the Senate’s standing rules.
The core of the dispute centers around eligibility requirements for presiding and principal officers of the upper legislative chamber.
The Senate had previously amended its rules on Tuesday, stipulating that only senators with at least two consecutive terms of uninterrupted service would be eligible for leadership positions. This amendment, if ratified, would effectively prevent Senator Oshiomhole, a first-time senator, from contesting for a presiding office.
Oshiomhole’s challenge appears rooted in established parliamentary practice, where adopted votes and proceedings are considered the official record of Senate resolutions, binding unless formally reviewed.
The confrontation unfolded during Wednesday’s plenary session. As Akpabio moved to confirm the Votes and Proceedings from the previous day, Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order.
Akpabio, however, seemingly ignored the Edo North senator, prompting Oshiomhole to repeatedly shout “point of order,” even after his microphone was deactivated.
Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno’s attempts to restore order proved futile, with Oshiomhole continuing to disrupt the proceedings. Monguno eventually invoked his authority as Chief Whip, demanding that Oshiomhole return to his seat.
Akpabio subsequently cautioned the former Edo governor, citing Senate rules governing conduct within the chamber. He emphasized the Senate President’s authority to maintain order, interpret rules, and issue rulings. Addressing Oshiomhole directly, Akpabio warned that any member acting disruptively would be asked to leave the chamber, issuing what he termed a “final warning.”
Senator Patrick Ndubueze (APC-Imo) also raised concerns, pointing to a perceived omission in Tuesday’s votes and proceedings. He argued that a particular resolution included in the document had not been debated or adopted by the Senate. Akpabio dismissed this objection and proceeded to subject the votes and proceedings to a voice vote.
The controversial amendment, which followed a three-hour closed-door session on Tuesday, mandates that only senators with a minimum of eight years of uninterrupted service can vie for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President. The development has ignited debate within the Senate and raised questions about its potential impact on future leadership contests.